Joellen Anderson Obituary

Groton - Joellen Anderson, 86, of Groton, passed away peacefully Feb. 8, 2024, after a courageous fight with cancer. She was born Dec. 22, 1937, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the daughter of Robert D. and Marcia Woodbury Anderson and grew up in a close knit neighborhood with other "free range" kids exploring the woods and ponds around the neighborhood.

A graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School, Joellen graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a B.A. degree in zoology in 1959, and earned a MSCIS degree in computer science from the University of New Haven. She went on to a successful 36-year career with Pfizer in Central Research, retiring in 1995.

Joellen loved traveling, adventuring, and playing outdoor sports, becoming an avid hiker, kayaker, skier and tennis player. She enjoyed many special trips with family and friends, visiting England, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Mexico. Rafting western rivers and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest were fond memories she frequently shared. She loved the ocean and sea kayaked for over 25 years exploring the coastlines of Connecticut and Maine, as well as the Pacific Northwest. She skied with the Thames Ski Club and helped build their Pico Peak (Vermont) ski lodge as well as traveled on various western U.S. ski trips. She particularly loved Acadia National Park, spending over 28 summers at the AMC Echo Lake camp, hiking and exploring the park and spending many weeks exploring the islands off the coast of Maine.

In her final years, she was very active in local land trusts and could frequently be seen walking the local trails in southeastern Connecticut. In her words, "Many thanks to all who knew me for sharing my life's journey and for all your life's lessons. In remembrance, please take a quiet walk on a beach, or on your favorite woodland trail."

Joellen is survived by her sister-in-law Marlene Anderson of Rocky Hill; nephew Stephen Anderson and his wife Candace of Peaks Island, Maine; and niece Sarah Carmer and her husband Kent of Indianapolis, Ind.; five grandnephews and spouses; four grandnieces and spouses; and three great-great-grandnieces. Joellen was predeceased by her mother, father and brother.

A private grave-side service will be at Riverside Cemetery in Yarmouth Maine in early summer. If desired, donations can be made to Friends of Acadia, 43 Cottage Street, PO Box 45, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; The Maine Coast Heritage Trust, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201, Topsham, ME 04086; or The Endowed Environmental Education Fund, University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Feb. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joellen Anderson

8 Entries

Lisa B - Fellow Echo Laker

June 10, 2024

I met Joellen at AMC Echo Lake Camp over 15 years ago. I was not much of a hiker so Joellen decided she would make me one despite myself. And indeed she did. Short and beautiful hikes on Mt Desert Island, one I especially loved was, and still is, Flying Mountain. I am very sadden by her passing . I will be at Echo this year and I will take a quiet hike up Flying Mountain and say " Until we met again, My friend." The picture captures her true spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Katrina Bercaw

February 18, 2024

Tom and I met Joellen about ten years ago when we helped her with a girl scout trail clearing and labeling project in the Moore Woods in Mystic. She showed the girls what to do and was proud of what they accomplished. Over the years since, it's been a delight whenever I found her on the trail or at workshops. Her curiosity and care for our woods inspired many. Besides all that, she was just a fun person to spend time with!

Tim Jackson

February 16, 2024

Joellen was a friend, inspiration and jolly good lady
We first met on a walk at Mamacoke Island.
I learned she was a part of Avalonia.
We met on numerous occaisions working together with the Groton Open Space Association.
We also spent a lot of time getting together at the Bill Memorial Library.
She certainly brightened my days and everyone else's I know.
A light sorely missed, grateful to have been with, much loved.

Josephine Falkner

February 15, 2024

I met Joellen in 1960 where we worked at the new Pfizer Research laboratories in Groton. When Joellen said she was going to take a class on computers, I tagged along. We learned machine language and Fortran. We each migrated from the laboratory to a department that needed someone with 'computer knowledge.
Joellen introduced me to skiing and the Thames Ski Club.
She will be greatly missed by all her friends.

Jo Falkner, now residing in Sarasota, FL

Laurie Gorham

February 15, 2024

To JoEllen´s Family:

I was sorry to hear news of Joellen´s passing. I met Joellen at a Groton Open Space event where we were removing invasive problematic plants. It was the first time I had come across a "weed wrench," a fantastic tools used to rip out woody rooted invasives like bittersweet by the roots. She let me borrow hers and I ended up buying one myself.

Years later I became involved with Avalonia, and she would email me when there were problems on our Ledyard preserves. I appreciated her voice at our Stewardship meetings as well.

The words she leaves in thanks exemplify her kind nature. I send her MY thanks for her years of service to Avalonia.

Bonnie Castellani

February 15, 2024

To Joellen's Family,

Joellen was an active member of the Avalonia Land Conservancy's Groton Town Committee for many years. I first met her when I became involved with Avalonia in 2019. Over the past five years, I have greatly appreciated her knowledge, wise counsel, humor and, especially, her friendship. She will be sorely missed.

Bonnie Castellani
Friend

Donna (Duerr) Weissman

February 14, 2024

My sincere condolences to Joellen's family. I met Joellen in 1961 when I joined the animal pathology section of Drug Safety Evaluation. She was instrumental in teaching me "the ropes," and instructing me in the finer points of histology. She was a good friend for many years. So sorry to hear of her passing. Sincerely, DW

Andrew Parrella

February 13, 2024

To Joellen´s family-

She was always right beside our Conservation/Inland Wetlands Commission in Groton adding her guidance or advice. Her connection to protecting natural resources was commendable. May she rest in peace.

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